Hampton Court Palace, which is located in southwest London, is actually a royal palace where tourists from all over the world and the country visit to experience its beauty. It lies in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. The Hampton Court Palace was the house of the British royal family before the 18th century. The palace lies at a distance of 11.7 miles towards the southwest of Charing Cross and also towards the upstream of central London on the River Thames.

Hampton Court Palace Was Originally

The Hampton Court Palace was originally built for the favorite of King Henry VIII whose name was Cardinal Wolsey. It was during the year 1529 as Wolsey fell from favor, it was handed over to the king who later extended the palace. The subsequent century, the palace was under rebuilding and expansion project. Due to rivalry, the work was even halted in the year 1694 that led the palace into two different architectural styles, which are domestic Tudor and Baroque. It was an accident that the palace was built in different styles, but the unity could be seen from the use of pink bricks. The symmetrical, albeit vague that is balancing the succeeding low wings also increases the pride of the palace.

Today, the palace remains open to the public and huge number of tourists throngs to see a glimpse of the palace. This makes the Hampton Court Palace a renowned tourist destination. The palace is managed by an independent charity named the Historical Royal Palaces. This charity does  Taxi Hampton court not receive any funding from the government or from the Crown. It is the spot where annual Festival Flower Show take place.

Something special that the palace is so renowned and tourists rush to see is its attractions. The Hampton Court Palace houses many works of art and furnishings, which is from the Royal Collection. These collections are mostly during the time of those two prime periods that is – the construction of the palace. Tourists get fascinated by seeing the single most significant works, which is Mantegnas Triumphs of Caesar. You can find this beautiful work in the Lower Orangery. The Victoria and Albert Museum houses the Raphael Cartoons that was once kept by the Hampton Court Palace.

Galley located at the south

The earlier home, which is the Cartoon Galley located at the south side of the Fountain Court was originally designed by Christopher Wren. From this, a minor artist whose name was Henry Cooke has painted the copies during the 1690s. You are lucky enough to take a magnificent glimpse of such works and designs. Besides this, you can also see the collections on the display like ceramics. The ceramics include many different pieces of blue and white porcelain that has been gathered by Queen Mary II. The collections were of Chinese imports and Delftware.

Besides the work, you can even see the original furniture that are dating back to the 17th and 18th century. Furniture include tables made by Jean Pelletier, India back walnut chairs done by Thomas Roberts and clocks and a barometer done by Thomas Tompion. The best part in this is the furniture that are still kept in their original positions like the Throne Canopy located in the Privy Chamber of the king. Exploring the room will give you amazing experience, as the room consists of a crystal chandelier of circa 1700. May be this is the first charming chandelier in the entire country.

The palace is the best option for those who want to explore the history of over 800 years. The Hampton Court Palace is among the finest palaces in the entire world. Visitors usually get an introductory exhibition, a guide who will take you through the Tudor Kitchens, and also a costume guide tour. In addition to this, you will get an opportunity to see the state apartments of the Queen, the king’s apartment, and also the Wolsey and Georgian rooms. Do not miss one of the most imposing sights that are the Great Hall. It is the last and greatest medieval hall, which is adorned with sumptuous tapestries.

You will be completely lost outside where the most renowned maze in the world lies. Head to the Privy garden that is restored to its glory similar to the time of 1702. The palace remains open during winter from morning 10 to evening 16.30, and during summer the opening time is from morning 10 to evening 18. The ticket price of the palace, maze and gardens for adults is £13.30, where as, children will have to pay 5-16 – £6.65.